Since the season’s here, let’s continue the discussion on hiking. One question I hear come up often is “What kind of shoes should I wear?” This is a good question and it should be considered by anyone looking into going hiking.

Let’s start off by giving the ever-dreaded answer: it depends. Are you looking at going on a one hour stroll through the woods or an eight hour long haul? Are you going to be walking on generally flat ground or up a mountain? Are you expecting the hike to be on dry land or muddy and perhaps with creeks and puddles? All of these things must be taken into consideration.

1. Are you looking at going on a one hour stroll through the woods or an eight hour long haul? If you are just going for an hour, I would just chose something comfortable, like sneakers. Longer haul? Look into something a little more. Find something with better support and more shock resistance.

2. Are you going to be walking on generally flat ground or up a mountain? In my opinion, if you are going up a mountain, look for something with ankle support. If you slip, especially as you descend, you do not want to twist an ankle.

3. Are you expecting the hike to be on dry land or on muddy ground perhaps with creeks and puddles? Obviously if the latter is true, find something water resistant or water proof.

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My own personal opinion is that for a short, flat, dry walk, I will most definitely chose something lighter like sneakers. For something longer, more rugged, and perhaps damp, I will bring my combat boots. I know many people would chose something different like a lighter and more ventilated hiking boot, but for me the combat boot is tried and true. Two years ago I went on a four mile hike in the pouring rain and almost every part of my body was wet except my feet. I love those boots!

What’s your opinion? What are some qualifiers that help you choose footwear for a hike? What is your opinion about hiking in combat boots? What kind of boot would you suggest?

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